Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed worry over developments in the African continent, saying the major problem of the continent is mismanagement of diversity.
Obasanjo stated this while giving an address at the National Daily Awards in Lagos on Friday.
The former President said, “What is wrong with Africa, because it is not only Nigeria? What is wrong with Africa? I look at the horn of Africa – eight countries and each of the countries has its own problem – Ethiopia, which is the core before God gave us peace in Ethiopia; Sudan has erupted.
“Somalia has been in doldrum for the past 21 years, then we will ask what is the situation in the horn of Africa? Is it any better in West Africa when you look at Mali, Brukina Faso, Chad, which is Central Africa. Is it better?
“I believe one major problem of Africa is mismanagement of diversity. Diversity is what makes us what we are. But we have to manage it and mismanagement of diversity will continue to cost us dearly.”
Nigerian mobile network operators are threatening to withdraw Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Services provided to banks over debt worth N120bn.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) made the disclosure in a statement jointly signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON and Gbolahan Awonuga, Head, Operations, ALTON.
The development is coming despite multi-party stakeholder efforts led by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the Central Bank of Nigeria to avert the situation.
The mobile network providers said, “The DMBs have continued to incur greater and greater debt, without making the commensurate payments. Every time some progress is made, the DMBs come up with reasons to take stakeholders several steps back, in this matter.
“Due to the inability of MNOs and DMBs to reach an agreement on the issues, MNOs in 2021 sought to disconnect DMBs due to the unpaid debts which stood at N42 Billion as at that time.
“However, the Hon. Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) intervened and asked the MNOs not to disconnect DMBs as the action will negatively impact on the Digital and Financial Inclusion policy of the Federal Government. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Deposit Money Banks (DMB) represented by the Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs subsequently met on 15 March 2021 to discuss indebtedness of DMBs to MNOs for USSD services.
“Further to the meeting, CBN and NCC issued a joint press statement on the agreement reached by all stakeholders “
ALTON said that Pantami and the NCC have made several efforts to get a positive response from banks.
The association noted, “Unfortunately, the patriotic intervention of the Hon. Minister and the NCC have been taken for granted by the DMBs, as two years after, the banks have failed to sign a final agreement.
“It is pertinent to note that the contract between MNOs and DMBs on the use of USSDs for banking transactions is strictly commercial and MNOs are at liberty to withdraw the services if it is established that the transaction is unprofitable to them. MNOs have invested billions of naira in expanding their systems to accommodate the USSD needs of DMBs over the years. This has resulted in more Nigerians having access to banking services in addition to enabling banks to trim down costs by requiring less branches to service their growing customers.
“Unfortunately, MNOs are not getting paid for their services and the debt that stood at N42 Billion in 2021 has now risen to over N120 Billion. It is obvious that the level of debt is unsustainable given the time/value huge cost of the continuous upgrade and operation of the systems and infrastructure dedicated to supporting USSD transactions of DMBs.
“In view of the foregoing, unless DBMs meet their debt obligations, MNOs will disconnect all banks indebted to them for USSD services rendered.”
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has described the many challenges facing Nigeria as surmountable with right and purposive leadership. He was speaking today at the public presentation of the compendium on him entitled: “Many Voices, One Perspective” at Finotel Hotel, Awka.
Obi who reiterated his belief that what Nigeria needs now is “conscious, planned and aggressive transition from consumption to production” said he was touched when, a few days ago, he watched the news with pictures of how United Arab Emirates plans to harvest their first set of wheat grown in a purely desert setting through the aid of modern technology.
Obi who described as “ disheartening”, the recent report from the United Nations World Food Programme(WEP), to the effect that Nigeria, especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa would be seriously affected by hunger this year said that such news were discomforting to him against the possibilities of Nigeria which our leaders have failed to utilize.
Employing statistics, Obi said that the combined square kilometre of land mass of the three states mentioned, namely, Borno( 70.9 sq km); Yobe (45.5 sq km); and Adamawa( 36.5 sq km) which amounts to 152.9sq were far greater than that of Isreal which is just 22.1 sq km and yet Isreal feeds itself and export excess to the world. Obi said that with right leadership, which was his commitment, that Nigeria would do as well.
Commenting on the political development in Nigeria, Obi said he would be the President of Nigeria in the fullness of time, always supposing that the judiciary would do the right thing. He thanked the Obidient Family for their belief in him and appealed to them to see apologies to the elders now and then, as in constance with the African understanding of respect for the elders or our fathers even when they might be wrong.
"In our journey to New Nigeria, I am very committed, I am not on transit to anywhere. I have committed to the struggle for a better nation, no matter how long it takes," Obi said.
In his own remarks, the Royal Father of the day, HRM, Igwe Alfred Achebe described Obi as “Man of the Destiny”. He said one of the things that distinguished Obi from other politicians is his efforts to stay on the truth and do the right things, and insistence that the right things must always be done no matter the time it takes. He commended Obi for consistently following the path of truth, integrity and transparency.
Speaking at the event, the Senator-elect for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sen. Victor Umeh, eulogized Obi as one of the greatest Nigerians to ever live and impact many lives positively. Describing him as development-oriented, he said there is no serious political discussion in the country without Obi being at the centre.
Earlier in his opening remark, the lead Editor of the book, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna thanked Nigerians for their faith in Obi. She said that the public presentations of the book was another way of supporting Obi’s political journey towards the Presidency.
The traditional ruler of Agulu, Obi’s town, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor described Obi as a worthy son of Agulu whose pedigree speaks for itself.
About 25 traditional rulers and many politicians, well wishers and numerous “Obidients” attended the event.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party, in the last election, has said Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), once worked under him.
He spoke Friday in Anambra State, during the launch of a book titled, ‘Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective’.
Obi, who charged people to always do what is right, said he was not desperate to lead.
“For three years I was in court in Anambra to reclaim my governorship, just to challenge the process. Many people tried to discourage me, but I said even if the entire four year tenure elapsed for us to prove a point and correct the process, I will be fulfilled.
“My argument is that, let’s do what is right. I always tell everyone that I will not give people money to do the wrong thing. I have been the chairman of a committee; TETFUND committee, and Prof Mahmood was my member. We know ourselves, but when he became INEC chairman, I have never met him. I told him, you’re an umpire, just do what is right.
“If you have the chance to do the right thing, and you insist on perpetuating anarchy, then, it will consume everybody one day. I insist that we must do the right thing,” Obi said.
Since the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC as the president-elect, the former Anambra state governor has refused to concede defeat and he is currently challenging the outcome of the poll at the 2023 presidential election petition tribunal in Abuja.
Afrobeats star, Tobi Anidugbe, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has dropped a new single titled, ‘Shu Peru.’
‘Shu Peru’ is a slang popularized by Orezi with his hit record.
The song hit music airwaves Friday, 12 May 2023 on all digital platforms.
It was mixed and mastered by renowned LA based engineer Jaycen Joshua.
In addition to the audio release, the music video is also set to be premiered and it was directed by award-winning Director TG Omori.
Since making his debut, Kizz Daniel has continued to dazzle fans with his sensational ability to make easily digestible songs that invariably reach hit status.
His two recent masterpieces – ‘BUGA’ and ‘COUGH (ODO)’- have had millions of streams and views across social media and streaming platforms.
The Nigerian Navy has made a revelation about the number of ships bought by the government on the past 8 years.
The Navy said that a total of 20 capital ships were procured for the Nigerian Navy (NN) during the eight-year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba, said this in a statement he signed on Friday.
According to Garba, the ships comprise of Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transport, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, Helicopters, as well as, over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels and Assault crafts.
He said that as a result of Buhari’s contribution to the development of the NN during his administration, the Navy was poised to give the president a befitting Presidential Fleet Review (PFR).
The PFR with the theme: ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’ is scheduled to hold in Lagos from May 19 to May 22.
The naval chief added that the president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and in 2021 respectively and laid the keel for two more, which would be ready by 2024.
“The PFR 2023 is therefore organised in honour of Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large.
“It involves assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state.
“The review also provides an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global collaborative approach,” he said.
Garba said that the last PFR was conducted in 2010 in honour of then President Goodluck Jonathan, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
He also noted that the NN had attended many Fleet reviews of other countries with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU.
“Also, the NN sent personnel to participate in the Bangladesh Navy Fleet Review in December 2022, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence,” he said.
The naval chief said that the PFR-2023 exercise would involve 16 NN warships, 3 x AW109E NN helicopters and a mix of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft.
“Some foreign warships from allied nations including Spain, Brazil and Ghana are also expected to participate in the exercise.
“Other activities lined up for the day include capability demonstration by NN Special Forces, defence/maritime expo exhibition, combined naval parade and exercises,” he said.
Garba said that the tenure of Buhari marked a period of profound transformation of the NN Fleet.
He said that the president demonstrated enormous political will in ensuring the recapitalisation of the NN Fleet, which had become the pride of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
“Therefore, the PFR-2023 is in celebration of Mr President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s naval assets and capability to project her instruments of maritime power for national prosperity,” Garba said.
The Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has appealed to the stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to give the South-East region something reasonable as the contest for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly gathers more momentum.
Kalu made this appeal in a statement on Thursday.
The former governor of Abia state noted that the APC with 59 Senators-elect, does not have an absolute majority in the 109-member Red Chambers.
He added that the South-East deserves “something very reasonable” other than deputy speaker.
The Senate Chief Whip said, “Vote is not a measurement. We had a hurricane in our zone. We need one another and not the level of votes cast. Those who did not vote for the party today can vote for the party tomorrow if they are properly aligned. After all, we have made progress.
“Before, we used to be one or two senators but it is no longer so. This thing did not only happen in the South-East. Many people from areas where the presidential candidate came from voted along certain lines. I appeal to you people that you must cede something very reasonable to the South-East.
“I am happy the national chairman, deputy national chairman, and national secretary are former senators. You know we are going to do a secret ballot on the floor of the Senate, we will vote according to our conscience. You people have done it before and we will do what you have done in the past.
“So, it is better, we settle properly as 59 senators of the APC. The difference is not much. If you count three or four of us out, you are losing votes already and we have the capacity to get more from the other side and from our colleagues in the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern senators, especially those elected on the platform of the APC, have threatened to revolt against the party if the controversial zoning template for leadership of the 10th National Assembly was not revisited.
Specifically, former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator-elect, Abdulaziz Yari, said the entire North would revolt over the issue.
He spoke when some Senate presidency aspirants, who visited the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC, yesterday, in Abuja, adopted Senators Godswil Akpabio and Jibrin Barau.
It also zoned the Speakership and Deputy Speakership to North-West and South-East and chose Tajudeen Abass and Ben Kalu for the slots. The party said those selected were also the choices of President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
In another development, the 18 senators-elect from the North-Central geo-political zone have kicked against the template and pointedly criticized the exclusion of the zone from the arrangement.
Also, seven speakership aspirants drawn from the North-West, North-East, North-Central and South-East kicked against the zoning formula and sought redress.
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Comrade Julius Abure, has apologized to the party faithful that the party inadvertently admitted those he referred to as charlatans and dubious persons into its fold in the hurry to grow its membership.
Abure tendered the apology while receiving a group of party supporters and civil soceity groups at the party’s National Secretariat, in Abuja, on Friday.
He expressed sadness that this set of people were the ones who have placed themselves in the service of enemies of the party to cause chaos.
Abure said, “The party was a small party and because we want to have numbers, we accommodated all form of charlatans and dubious people into the party.
“These are people who didn’t offer anything to the party. Apapa scored zero in Oyo state in the Presidential election. Arabambi who is claiming to be the Publicity Secretary scored zero in Ogun state in the presidential election.
“They even supported other candidates from other parties. In Edo, I scored 79 percent of the votes in the presidential election. I ensured that APC and PDP did not get 25 percent in that election.”
Explaining what transpired in court earlier in the day, the party chairman said, “We have obeyed the court restraining order and by today, the court gave a ruling, assuming jurisdiction.
“I need to make it abundantly clear that the substantive matter has not started. There was a preliminary objection to the jurisdiction of the court and the court today assumed jurisdiction.
“And for me, I am ready to go for an appeal. In the next few hours, we will be submitting our notice of appeal to the court and we will move all the matter from that court and take it to the court of Appeal.
“I believe that I will get justice in the Court of Appeal. I believe that Labour Party will get justice in the court of Appeal. Because this same court in FCT in 2023 in the case of Sulieman v APC did the same thing and the Law Report decided by the Supreme Court made it very clear that the court has no jurisdiction over such matter.
“That is where we are standing and we believe that whatever the court has said today can’t stand before the court of Appeal.
“I believe that the court of Appeal will do the right thing and therefore all our papers will be filed today and by Monday the appeal will commence.
“And so I want to assure all our supporters, all our members that they should remain calm, I remain the National Chairman of the Labour Party.”
He further said, “Labour party is a democratic institution and you don’t use coup d’ tat to grab leadership, you don’t use the back door to take over the leadership of the party.
“That is what Apapa and co tried to do. Though we understand them because they have been paid by their paymasters, if you look at the statement they made today, they are talking about the tribunal.
“Whatever they say is about the tribunal, and it is no longer news that these disgruntled Labour Party members have been paid to truncate the cases in tribunal.
“They are only satisfying their paymasters and so we urge all our members to disregard them.
“We all know how to remove the National Chairman, and how a new one can be elected.
“So, it is unfortunate that this group of people found themselves in the Labour Party. The time has come for us to separate the wheat from the chaff.
“In the governorship election and House of Assembly election, in spite of the dollars and harassment that were deployed by the PDP government, I am the only national chairman that won my ward.
“My performances as the national chairman of this party is in no doubt. I inherited a party that was in arears of salary payment, a party that has no image and today I have made the party number one party in Nigeria.
“In this party, I have paid my dues. I have been here for 20 years building this party and today I challenge all other national chairmen of other parties, none of them have performed more than me and the records are clear.
“So, they want to take over the party, we laugh at them. And I urge Nigerians to ignore them because whatever information they are getting from them are fake news.
“I want to reassure you that we are in control and I remain the national chairman. I assure you that we continue to provide leadership. Our cases are in court, and we will continue to defend them.
“Our House of Reps and senatorial cases, we will continue to defend to the end and our presidential election tribunal we will defend to the end. No amount of distraction will stop us from attaining our aspirations.
“I listened to you clearly, you are dreaming for a new Nigeria, and I want to say it clearly, no one, no amount of intimidation, harassment, no amount of hundred of Apapas can stop an idea whose time has come.
“Time has come for Nigeria to take back their country, the time has come for Labour Party to take over the presidency of this country and nothing will stop us.”
As legal fireworks continue over the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s President-elect, some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have asked the federal high court sitting in Abuja, to stop his inauguration over failure to secure 25 per cent in the in the nation’s capital, therefore extend tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The plaintiffs, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/578/2023, applied for an order, restraining “the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, any other judicial officer and/or any other authority or person from swearing in any candidate in the February 25 presidential election as President or Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, until it is judicially determined with finality or in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution that such candidate has fulfilled the requirement of Section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution”
According to the suit, “the plaintiffs and other FCT residents have a legal interest and constitutional rights to be heard on the question of whether a President-elect must secure at least 25% of votes cast, on the first ballot, in the FCT, Abuja.”
Among other prayers, FCT residents want the court to extend tenure of outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari pending the controversies surrounding his successor is determined.
“A declaration that no state of the country is at the same time the FCT for any propose whatsoever, including, in particular, under section 134 (2) (b) of the Constitution.
“A declaration that no candidate in the February 25 presidential election in the country may validly be declared elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without that candidate obtaining at least 25% of the votes cast in the FCT, Abuja.
“A declaration that no candidate in the February 25 presidential election may validly be sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without such candidate having obtained 25% of the votes cast in FCT, Abuja.
“A declaration that following the February 25 presidential election and until a successor is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and sworn in, the term of office of his Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria subsists and endures in accordance with the provisions of section 135 (1) (a) of the Constitution”.
Also, “An order setting aside or suspending any declaration and/or issuance of a Certificate of a Return to any candidate in the February 25 presidential election in the country as having been elected, save and except it is judicially determined with finality that such candidate fulfilled the conditions stated in section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution”.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and the CJN were cited in the matter as 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively.
No fewer than 2,167 repentant insurgents have graduated from the Operation Safe Corridor’s (OPSC) Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme, organised by the Federal Government, an official has said.
Mr Audu Ayuba, the Assistant Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, National Orientation Agency (NOA), disclosed this on Friday at a capacity-building workshop for staff members of the agency.
The workshop was on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), and Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) in Abuja.
Ayuba, who presented a paper titled, “Overview of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC)”, said that out of the 2,167 trainees, 2,140 were Nigerians and 27 foreigners from Cameroun, Chad and Niger.
“Since the inception of the OPSC DRR programme, 2,167 clients have graduated comprising 2,140 Nigerians and 27 foreigners (Cameroun, Chad and Niger).
“They were successfully handed over to their national and state authorities for reintegration. The programme was accepted by the state governments, community leaders and people of the Northeast.
“This was achieved due to continuous community sensitisation visits to Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states by the OPSC with the help of technical partners and visits by the state delegates to the DRR camp to see their indigenes.
“There is increased support from development partners and NGOs, both national and international partners such as International Organisation for Migration, Centre for Democracy and Development, United Nations Children’s Fund, Swiss Embassy, etc.’’
The NOA director said that more of the clients had been accepted in their communities and the level of stigmatisation had reduced due to the strategic communication on DDRR, PCVE and OPSC carried out by the stakeholders.
“There is an increase in the number of new admissions for the DRR programme.
“More recently, more than 100,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered to the Borno Government due to peace dialogue initiative with the insurgents.
“The DRR camp graduated 559 clients on March 25, 2023.
“There has been the construction of more hostel accommodation with a capacity for 1,500 clients, the programme has also received international recognition as witnessed by the visits of delegations from Cameroun, Chad, Niger and some foreign institutions to study it.
“Furthermore, the United Nation’s Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, visited the DRR camp in Gombe on 30 June 2021,’’ he said.
Ayuba said that the clients were exposed to vocational training of their choice, which included barbing, carpentry, cosmetology, farming, leather works, tailoring, cap weaving/embroidery and welding.
According to him, farming is made compulsory to all the clients in addition to any trade of their choice.
“Some proposed vocational activities that are awaiting approval by partners include: photography, block making, bread/pastry making, driving and maintenance, food processing, painting, plumbing and repair of basic technological devices such as phones and radios,” Ayuba added.
In his remarks, the Director-General, NOA, Dr Garba Abari, said that OPSC was an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to encourage willing and repentant Boko Haram (BH) insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.
“From 2009, when the Boko Haram insurgency started, to date, many lives have been lost, tens of thousands of people displaced, Nigeria and Nigerians suffered economically, socially, politically, culturally and above all suffered serious security challenges leaving citizens in fear.
“The activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) members in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria were major concerns to the government and people of Nigeria as well as the international community.
“As we all know, NOA is mandated to mobilise, sensitise and orientate Nigerians on the policies, programmes and activities of the government.
“It equally provides feedback to the government on how the citizens feel about governance and what they expect from government at all levels.’’
According to the director-general, the Agency’s role in OPSC is to mobilise and sensitise the government and people of the Northeast on why the Federal Government created the OPSC.
“We are also mobilising and sensitising the Boko Haram fighters in the bush on the need to surrender, lay down their arms and embrace peace as the government does not want to continue to kill its citizens,’’ he said.
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Danish Aid Worker Shares New Photos of Young Girl Rescued 9 Years Ago After Being Branded a Witch in Nigeria
AdminDanish aid worker, Anja Ringgren Loven has showed off new photos of a young girl that was tortured and abandoned in Akwa Ibom state 9 years ago after being branded a witch.
She rescued the young girl by name, Mary turned her life around.
Sharing the good news on Facbook, Loven wrote:
“Can we all agree that children are not witches ?! David Emmanuel Umem and I rescued Mary more than 9 years ago. She was accused of being a witch. We found her half naked in a bush where she was hiding because the local villagers wanted to kill her,”
"When we found her she had cuts and bruises from an iron all over her body. She had been tortured and abused.
“Now more than 9 years after we rescued Mary she just wrote the JAMB ( Nigeria’s official entrance examination board for students seeking admission to university ) and hopefully her score will take her to study law after the summer.”
Former Anambra State Governor, and presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the last election, Mr Peter Obi has insisted that he must be President of Nigeria.
Obi, who is in court with the winner of the just concluded election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said he is convinced in his spirit that he will be President.
The LP candidate spoke during the launch of a book written in his honour: ‘Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective’, in Awka, Anambra State.
Obi said: “Anyone who thinks I’m on transit is wasting his time. Let me tell you, I must be the president of this country. I’m sure of that. If it is not today, it must be tomorrow.
“Other people who want to be, should come and tell us what they want to do, and how to do it. This is my country, I don’t have dual citizenship. If anyone thinks I am going to run away from Nigeria, they are lying.
“I have three engagements in Anambra and Lagos today. I will be speaking in Lagos tonight. We will not leave Nigeria. I am not in a hurry to become the president, but I know it must happen.
“For three years I was in court in Anambra to reclaim my governorship, just to challenge the process. Many people tried to discourage me, but I said even if the entire four years tenure elapsed for us to prove a point and correct the process, I will be fulfilled.
“My argument is that, let’s do what is right. I always tell everyone that I will not give people money to do the wrong thing. I have been the chairman of a committee; TETFUND committee, and Prof Mahmood was my member. We know ourselves, but when he became INEC chairman, I have never met him. I told him, you’re an umpire, just do what is right.
“If you have the chance to do the right thing, and you insist on perpetuating anarchy, then, it will consume everybody one day. I insist that we must do the right thing.
“I was in an event yesterday in Abuja, and it was World Food Organisation. I listened to report that stated that Nigeria will face intense hunger in years to come.
“It is Nigeria that will face hunger, not Peter Obi. The report listed Borno, Adamawa and Yobe as the states that will be worse hit, but those three states put together are five times larger in land mass of Israel, yet Egypt exports food, but Nigeria cannot feed itself.
“So we must cultivate a habit of doing the right thing. If we don’t do the right thing, it will consume us some day.”
One of the editors of the book, Prof Chinyere Okunna in her remarks said the launching was geared towards raising funds for the financing of the matter before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).
“We believe in Obi. He is not a saint, but among all the people who contested to become president, none comes close to him in humility, education, love of the people, experience and knowledge.
“Litigation is a very capital intensive project and we want to support him through this launching. It was very clear that Obi won the election, but we want to call on the judiciary to be upright in their judgement and do the right thing,” she said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has disclosed that Nigerians will appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari after he leaves office on May 29, 2023.
He said beyond those who seek to rewrite history and remember his (Buhari’s) administration for all the wrong reasons, his principal would be remembered for many achievements by fair Nigerians.
Adesina disclosed this in his weekly article titled ‘NG-CARES: HOW BUHARI QUIETLY ATTENDS TO NEEDS OF NIGERIANS’, where he reeled out some of the achievements of the President.
He argued that Buhari has the interest of Nigerians at heart and worked assiduously for the betterment of the country with his “care and kindness to Nigerians”.
Nigerian govt warns corrections, immigration officers against corruption
According to him, history will adequately record the many ways in which President Buhari has quietly cared for Nigerians.
“Some revisionists are busy, trying to obfuscate issues and obliterate the achievements of the Buhari administration. But truth is like cork in water. The more you press it down, the more it stays afloat.
“After he retires to his native Daura, in Katsina State, we will always be glad that the honest man was here. I mean those who are fair-minded, but who happen to number in scores of millions,’ he wrote.
Adesina added, “The judgement of history is usually the most enduring, and as President Muhammadu Buhari weighs anchor in less than three weeks, posterity will be impartial, and, therefore, kind to him.
“One signpost of the administration is its care and kindness to Nigerians. Quietly. Without fuss. No adulation or self-aggrandisement.”
On some of Buhari’s interventions, Adesina wrote, “These welfarist interventions give a window into the kind soul of the President, a man some people have not bothered to discern, dissect and decipher.
“They just deliberately stay in the trenches of the past, soused and marooned in apocryphal beliefs: oh, he ruled with an iron fist as military leader. He herded people into jail. He imprisoned journalists through Decree 4. He also had Decree 2, which gave him power to detain anyone indefinitely.
“No human face. He’s a Fulani, and therefore, a herdsman, who supports his people to attack farmers. Religious bigot, who does not recognize any other faith. True? False. And I should know. Why? Because I’ve worked with him closely for eight years, and I can say I know the man Muhammadu Buhari, apart from the myth and the deliberate misconceptions.”
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), says it will appeal a ruling by a Federal High Court, Abuja nullifying its powers to impose fines on erring broadcast stations.
Its reaction to the Wednesday ruling by Justice James Omotosho was contained in a statement signed by its Director General, Balarabe Shehu Illelah.
Omotosho, while ruling on a suit filed by Incorporated Media Rights Agenda, declared that NBC was not a Court and had no power to impose fines as punishment on broadcast stations.
He held that the NBC code, which gives the commission the power to impose a sanction, was in conflict with section 6 of the constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.
He added that the NBC, not being Nigerian police, had no power to conduct a criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.
But the NBC, in the statement on Friday in Abuja, said that it had applied for a Certified Copy of the judgment.
“The commission will appeal against the judgment when found to be in conflict with previous judgments which empowers NBC to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria,” the statement said.